The trial was set to start Monday, but both parties agreed to postpone the trial until Jan. 21.

"We did receive some new discovery, but we basically received a large portion of the discovery already. We're just taking our time to go over everything," said Ivan Bates, Michael Johnson's attorney.

The prosecution and his defense lawyers asked for a mutual postponement because of the amount of information and evidence that has mounted, including 17,000 pages of discovery already submitted by the state.

"We feel confident that should be more than enough time to go through all the information that's there and to really streamline what's actually relevant and what's not relevant and be prepared for trial," said Russell Neverdon, Johnson's attorney.

Johnson is the ex-boyfriend of Phylicia's sister, Deena. The teen was staying with her sister in Baltimore when she disappeared in December 2010. Months later, Phylicia's body was found in the Susquehanna River. An autopsy determined she died of asphyxiation.

Johnson was arrested earlier this year and charged with first-degree murder in Phylicia's death.

Prosecutors said Johnson killed Phylicia in her sister's apartment, and then used a 35-gallon tub to move her body.

But Johnson's attorney said he thinks prosecutors rushed to judgment and that the case is circumstantial at best.

"There is absolutely no physical evidence, in my opinion, that corroborates (asphyxiation). The hyoid bone was intact. The larynx was intact. There were no indications of trauma or injury to the physical person, so, it was pretty much ruled out circumstances. I think it probably would have been more appropriate to be an undetermined (death ruling)," Neverdon said.

Johnson's lawyers on Monday said they still feel the state's case is weak.

"It's still the old cliché. The last person to have seen her has to have been the person responsible or involved in some way, and I think that's pretty much where they are right now," Neverdon said.

Johnson pleaded not guilty to the charge, but Phylicia's family members said they believe police got the right man.

"Justice prevailed pretty much right now. We're just glad the state's attorney brought charges against Mike Johnson, and we will make sure we stay focused and make sure that justice is served for Phylicia," said the victim's father, Russell Barnes.

WBAL-TV 11 News reached Barnes' father in North Carolina after Monday's hearing and he said he's remaining positive.

"As long as the accused is still in jail, that's the first step. We can live another day. We believe he is a child murderer," Barnes said.

Johnson maintains his innocence.

"He's confident that we're going to put on a great defense. He's confident that he's going to fight this every step of the way," said Tony Garcia, Johnson's attorney.

A bizarre situation is unfolding in Baltimore in which people are paying rent to a landlord who claims he's helping fill the need for affordable housing, but there are serious questions about the living conditions inside, as well as who actually owns the homes.